Are you craving a sweet treat that combines rich chocolate with gooey marshmallows? Look no further! My S’mores Brownie Bars are your new favorite dessert. These bars are rich, chewy, and packed with flavors that will remind you of campfire nights. Plus, they’re easy to make—perfect for any skill level. Grab your ingredients, and let’s turn your kitchen into a dessert paradise!
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup additional mini marshmallows for topping
To make s’mores brownie bars, you need simple ingredients. Butter gives richness, while sugar adds sweetness. The eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. All-purpose flour and cocoa powder create the brownie base.
Baking powder makes the brownies rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips add extra chocolatey goodness. Mini marshmallows give that classic s’mores taste. Graham cracker crumbs add crunch and flavor.
You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. Always check for freshness, especially for eggs and butter. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray. Another option is to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mixing the Brownie Batter
– In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Mix them well until smooth and glossy.
– Add 4 large eggs to the bowl, one at a time. Mix well after each egg to blend them completely. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
– Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix or the brownies will be tough.
– Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for richness.
Baking and Adding Final Touches
– Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
– Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
– Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top. Return them to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Bake until the marshmallows are gooey and golden.
– After baking, take them out and add ½ cup of additional mini marshmallows and any leftover chocolate chips on top.
– Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. Once cool, cut them into bars.Enjoy your rich and chewy s’mores brownie bars!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Perfect Brownies
To make the best brownies, you need to avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can turn your brownies tough and dry. Mix just until the flour disappears. This keeps them chewy and rich.
For checking doneness, I suggest using a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it’s wet, give them a few more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these brownie bars warm. The chocolate is rich and gooey. You can drizzle chocolate sauce on top for extra flavor. Adding crushed graham crackers as a garnish makes it look fancy. It also adds a nice crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using incorrect measurements. Always use the right cups and spoons. Too much or too little can ruin the texture.
Another mistake is not lining the baking dish. Lining it with parchment paper helps you lift the brownies out easily. This way, you can cut them into perfect bars without a mess.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your s’mores brownie bars. Adding nuts gives them a nice crunch. Try using walnuts or pecans for a tasty twist. You can also use different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds richness, while milk chocolate keeps it sweet. You can mix semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a fun look and taste. Experimenting with flavors can make your bars even more exciting!
Dietary Alternatives
If you need to make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Many brands work well and keep the taste great. For vegan substitutes, you can swap eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mix. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan-friendly. These simple tweaks let everyone enjoy these treats!
Creative Serving Ideas
Think outside the box when serving these brownie bars. You can make s’mores brownie ice cream sandwiches. Just place a scoop of ice cream between two bars. It’s a cool treat for hot days! You can also turn them into s’mores brownie sundaes. Simply cut the bars into pieces, add ice cream, and top with chocolate sauce and extra marshmallows. These fun ideas make your dessert even more special.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your s’mores brownie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to a week. For freezing, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn.
Best Ways to Reheat
When you want to enjoy these bars again, you can reheat them easily. The oven is best for even warmth. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them; otherwise, they may become tough.
Shelf Life
These s’mores brownie bars are great for snacking! If stored in the fridge, they last for about a week. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label your wraps with the date, so you know when to eat them!
FAQs
What is the best way to cut brownies?
To cut brownies well, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water. Wipe it clean after each cut. This keeps the edges neat and smooth. For clean lines, let the brownies cool first.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature.
Can I use chocolate syrup instead of chocolate chips?
While you can use chocolate syrup, it will change the texture. The bars may turn out softer and less chewy. For the best results, stick with chocolate chips.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you lack graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits. You can also crush vanilla wafers or use a mix of oats and flour. These will give a similar texture and taste.
Is there a way to make these brownies less sweet?
Yes, there are ways to reduce the sweetness. Cut back on sugar in the recipe. You can also use dark chocolate chips, which have less sugar. This makes the brownies richer and less sweet overall.
In this blog post, we covered all the key steps to make tasty brownies. You learned about the ingredients you’ll need, from butter to chocolate chips. I detailed how to mix the batter and bake it to perfection. We also explored tips for serving and storing your brownies. Remember, small changes can lead to big flavor. Don’t forget to have fun and get creative with your brownie ideas. Happy baking!
